Strippers win latest round in challenge of minimum age law

NEW ORLEANS - A federal judge in New Orleans has again blocked enforcement of a Louisiana law aimed at establishing a minimum age of 21 for exotic dancers.

U.S. District Judge Carl Barbier said in Wednesday's 41-page ruling that three dancers who challenged the new law will likely win their case after making a strong case that it is unconstitutional.

Barbier had temporarily blocked enforcement soon after the women filed suit last fall. Wednesday's preliminary injunction is stronger, blocking enforcement until the case goes to trial or Barbier makes a final determination on its constitutionality.

Barbier said the three women - ages 18, 19 and 20 when the suit was filed - will likely win on the grounds that the law is unconstitutionally vague and overly broad.